Ruhi Nair, a junior at Winston Churchill High School in Potomac, has been as a 2025 recipient of one of “The 24: Maryland’s Emerging Scholars” awards– an annual recognition in partnership with The Daily Record, recognizing Maryland’s most outstanding high school students who excel in academics, community service, and leadership, with a special emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) career interests.
MCPS shares that Ruhi is a dynamic leader at her school, dedicated to fostering inclusivity and organizing events through the No Place for Hate student committee. She founded and serves as president of Melodic Minds, a student organization that offers music lessons and mentorship to children in underserved areas of Montgomery County. Additionally, Ruhi is the president of the Churchill National Science Bowl team and has previously held the position of co-principal cellist in the Advanced Orchestra.
As a team leader for the Churchill GEM (Girls Empowered by Math) club, she inspires young women to pursue careers in STEM fields. Ruhi has also interned at the National Philharmonic Summer String Institute and served as a camp counselor at the NIH Children’s Inn, where she worked with children affected by serious illnesses. Her commitment to leadership, education, and community service makes her a remarkable role model.
Selected from across the state, this year’s 24 honorees represent the brightest young minds engaged in the MBRT’s programs and initiatives. These exceptional students have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to academic excellence, community impact, and future-focused leadership, setting a standard for their peers and paving the way for a brighter tomorrow.
The winners were celebrated at MBRT’s annual student awards program, “The 24: Maryland’s Emerging Scholars,” in partnership with The Daily Record and presented by Whiting Turner at The Westin Annapolis, held in conjunction with the MBRT’s signature Youth Congress Day on February 5th. This prestigious event brought together esteemed educators, business leaders, policymakers, and families to honor the scholars’ achievements and aspirations. Elected officials including Senate President Bill Ferguson, House Speaker Pro Tem Del. Dana Stein, and Del. Chao Wu, who presented MBRT with a legislative citation, shared their career and civic leadership insights and advice, engaging students in discussion.